D-Day 75
Join us in remembering those who gave so much on D-Day.
During World War II, 19-year-old Roy Hayward lost both legs when his tank was shelled. Seventy-five years later, at the age of 94, he still sees it as “a bit of bad luck”
World War II was the deadliest and most widespread war in modern history. Following Adolf Hitler’s suicide on 30 April 1945, the surrender of the German armed forces was announced to the British people on the radio late on 07 May. The following day was declared a public holiday following Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s radio address to the nation and became known immediately as VE (Victory in Europe) Day.
During the six years of conflict across the world, some 380,000 British servicemen were killed. Similar numbers were injured, including 12,000 who lost limbs. On 06 June 1944 at 19 years old, Roy Hayward became one of them as he landed on the beaches of Normandy. Seventy-five years later, at the age of 94, Roy shares his memories of that critical day.
The D-Day landings involved 156,000 Allied troops from 13 nations who swept across more than 50 miles of Normandy coastline. It was the largest seaborne invasion in military history as 7,000 vessels crossed the Channel with precision timing as Allied air forces flew 14,000 sorties in support. At least 2,500 Allied troops were killed and 7,500 injured on the first day.
Blesma Members were involved in D-Day and the subsequent actions in the Battle for Normandy which left 425,000 Allied and German troops killed, wounded or missing. Those who perished and those who returned all deserve special recognition on 06 June.
Over the years, Blesma has been instrumental in obtaining all sorts of benefits to make sure its Members can live independently for as long as possible. So, as we remember those who were killed or injured on D-Day, please spare a thought for the long-term effort Blesma puts in to help all its Members get the best from life, no matter when they were injured.
Please join me in remembering those who fought on D-Day and please consider making a donation today, so that those who have made huge sacrifices fighting for our country can live full lives like I have.
D-Day Veteran & Blesma Member, Roy Hayward
“I was taking instructions from a tank driver when we were hit by a German anti-tank gun. I was unlucky."
"We were walking through open fields when I was shot in the upper arm by a sniper. My arm went numb and I was pumped full of morphine, put on a stretcher and sent to the field hospital in Bayeux."
"The last thing I remember is walking along a beach in Italy to get back on the boat then waking up in hospital two weeks later. I had stepped on a shoe mine."